At the halfway point of the Horizon League schedule, UIC has its work cut out for it to make a push ahead in the standings and into position for the postseason tournament.  The Flames will start the second half of the double-round robin on Saturday, when they host IUPUI.

Two narrow, 4-3 losses have contributed to the team's slow start.  The first match against IUPUI, however, was a 7-0 decision in the Jaguars' favor.  Pelle Strandberg and Artem Iermolov were a bright spot in doubles play with a 7-5 win in the #2 flight.  They are undefeated in conference doubles action.  Strandberg also played well in his #1 singles match, winning the second set before falling in a third set tiebreaker.

Five different Flames have singles wins in conference matches.  The team's challenge is to rack up enough wins on the same day to take the team matchup.  UIC is currently in fifth place in the conference.  The top four teams will make the tournament. 

IUPUI's win over the Flames two weeks ago was part of a 2-0 start to Horizon League play.  Since then, the Jaguars have dropped consecutive matches.  Alex Jochim has led the team from the #1 singles position, with a 3-1 conference record.  He is 3-0 at #1 doubles against conference foes, alongside Emil Jankowski.

Saturday's match is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. start at HF Racquet Club in Homewood.